Shillong: The Congress in Meghalaya has strongly criticized the ruling MDA 2.0 government’s decision to convert land currently used for agriculture and conservation into an industrial estate.
The plan involves repurposing 107 acres belonging to the Soil & Water Conservation Department, which includes a conservation training institute, and 27 acres from the Agriculture Department, both located in Byrnihat, Ri-Bhoi District.
Opposition leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh argued that the government should have consulted the state assembly before making such a significant decision.
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He emphasized the importance of environmental protection alongside development and questioned sacrificing existing agricultural infrastructure for industrialization.
Lyngdoh further suggested exploring alternative locations for industrial promotion that wouldn’t disrupt established departments.
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He also raises concerns about potential pollution from new industries, considering Byrnihat was recently named the most polluted “city” in India.